Big Bay Point Lighthouse
Stay in a historic, working lighthouse on Lake Superior, offering stunning views, charming rooms, and unparalleled access to the tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Big Bay Point Lighthouse
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stay in a historic, working lighthouse on Lake Superior, offering stunning views, charming rooms, and unparalleled access to the tower.
"Enjoyed 3 of the best days of my life here!! The lighthouse was truly amazing, the grounds were absolutely beautiful."
Pack Light! 🎒
Rooms are charming but can be small. Bring essentials and be prepared for stairs.
Book B&B Stays Early 🗓️
This unique experience is in high demand. Secure your room months in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Climb to the Lantern Room
Lighthouse Tower
Ascend the numerous stairs for unparalleled 360-degree views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape.
Explore the Historic Grounds
3 Acres of Lawn
Wander the beautifully maintained grounds surrounding the lighthouse, offering serene spots for reflection and photography.
Enjoy a Homemade Breakfast
Fireside Living Room
Savor a delicious, homemade breakfast prepared by your host, often accommodating special dietary needs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay in Advance
Be Prepared for Stairs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Light! 🎒
Rooms are charming but can be small. Bring essentials and be prepared for stairs.
Book B&B Stays Early 🗓️
This unique experience is in high demand. Secure your room months in advance.
Embrace the Climb ⬆️
The lighthouse tower has many stairs, but the views are worth every step.
Respect Privacy 🤫
The lighthouse is a private residence; tours are limited to Sundays.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Light! 🎒
Rooms are charming but can be small. Bring essentials and be prepared for stairs.
Book B&B Stays Early 🗓️
This unique experience is in high demand. Secure your room months in advance.
Embrace the Climb ⬆️
The lighthouse tower has many stairs, but the views are worth every step.
Respect Privacy 🤫
The lighthouse is a private residence; tours are limited to Sundays.
Ask About History 🗣️
Your host is knowledgeable about the restoration and local area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently rave about the unique experience of staying in a historic, working lighthouse, praising the stunning Lake Superior views, beautifully restored grounds, and exceptional hospitality. The opportunity to climb the tower at any time is a major highlight, though the many stairs are a consideration for some. Overall, it's described as a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
"Enjoyed 3 of the best days of my life here!! The lighthouse was truly amazing, the grounds were absolutely beautiful. Our room/bathroom was just exquisite. Our Host Nick provided an amazing homemade breakfast on the days we were there. Highly recommend staying here if you get the chance. This was once in a lifetime events (staying in an actual working lighthouse and being able to go up the tower to the platform). All of the other patrons were very kind and they made this place heaven. So much to see and enjoy!!"
Martina Charo
"Absolutely fantastic B&B! We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 night stay here and already booked for next year! Gorgeous rooms in a one of a kind historic lighthouse. We probably climbed up to the light at least 6 times. Sunrise, sunset, during a storm. So cool!
Nick, the owner, is wonderful and so knowledgeable about the property restoration, and the area. You can tell it’s his passion!
Take some time to explore the beautiful grounds, the one of a kind views from the top of the lighthouse, explore the surrounding area of Big Bay and Marquette. Great hiking, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing all nearby. Worth the drive to the UP!
If you cannot handle more than one flight of steps…stay in the first floor. No elevator access to lighthouse. Lots and lots of stairs."
Julie S
"We stayed here 25 years ago and wanted to see it again. Our host, Nick, bought this property several years ago after it suffered some disrepair. He has done an amazing job of restoration and modernization from the basement up!
The grounds are also beautifully done.
This well-built period structure looks and feels authentic inside and out. Access to the tower's outdoor walkway 24/7 is a huge plus. What a view!
Rooms are small and nicely decorated, but don't expect them to look like an upscale hotel suite. A stay in a historic lighthouse with a million-dollar view of Lake Superior is well worth the effort.
Nick does great with special diets like GF, vegan and diabetic too.
Pack light, bring good jackets and enjoy a rare experience."
Henry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Bay Point Lighthouse is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's a scenic drive, often part of a larger UP road trip. Many visitors drive from Marquette, which is about a 45-minute to an hour's drive away.
Public transport options are very limited in this remote area of the Upper Peninsula. Driving your own vehicle or a rental car is the most practical way to reach Big Bay Point Lighthouse.
The drive is generally scenic, winding through the beautiful Upper Peninsula landscape. Be prepared for some rural roads as you get closer to the lighthouse.
Yes, the surrounding area offers hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Marquette, with its own harbor lighthouse, is also a popular nearby destination.
Yes, the lighthouse offers public tours on Sundays. These tours allow you to experience the tower and learn about its history, even if you're not a guest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing varies depending on the room and season. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date rates.
While not always mandatory, booking Sunday tour tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to guarantee your spot.
Sunday tour hours are typically limited and may vary. It's best to check the lighthouse's official schedule or contact them directly for the exact times.
Guests staying at the B&B often have 24/7 access to the tower's outdoor walkway, allowing for sunrise, sunset, and even nighttime viewing. +1
A B&B stay typically includes a quaint room, access to common areas like the fireside living room, and a delicious homemade breakfast. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can climb the lighthouse tower for incredible views, explore the beautiful grounds, enjoy a homemade breakfast, and learn about the lighthouse's history from your host. +1
No, there are no elevators in the lighthouse. Access to the tower is via many stairs, so guests should be prepared for a climb. +1
The rooms are described as quaint, nicely decorated with antiques and lighthouse-themed items, and comfortable, though they can be small. +1
Yes, the description mentions that WiFi is available for guests staying at the lighthouse.
Absolutely! The lighthouse and its surroundings offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A delicious, homemade breakfast is provided daily for B&B guests. The host is known for accommodating special dietary needs like gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic options. +1
Big Bay itself has a few dining options. For a wider variety, visitors often travel to Marquette, which offers more restaurants and cafes.
While there are common areas, it's generally expected that guests will dine on the provided breakfast. For other meals, exploring local options in Big Bay or Marquette is recommended.
The primary dining offering is breakfast for B&B guests. Lunch and dinner are not typically provided on-site, so plan accordingly for other meals.
Big Bay has a few local eateries. Visitors often recommend exploring these for a taste of local flavor, or heading to Marquette for more diverse culinary experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lighthouse and Lake Superior. Even foggy days can create a moody, atmospheric scene.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the lighthouse against the lake, detailed shots of the architecture, and panoramic views from the top of the tower.
Regulations regarding drone usage can change and may depend on the specific area and time. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any posted restrictions before flying.
Its dramatic clifftop location, the vastness of Lake Superior, and the historic architecture of the lighthouse itself make it incredibly photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed during Sunday tours, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and ask if unsure about specific areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more accessible experience, consider visiting on a Sunday for the public tour, which still allows access to the tower. The surrounding area offers outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the lake, which can be great for keeping kids entertained. Pack accordingly for varying weather conditions, as Lake Superior can influence the climate.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoying a homemade breakfast together, perhaps with special dietary accommodations handled by your host, adds to the pampered experience. The unique atmosphere of staying in a historic, working lighthouse provides a memorable backdrop for celebrating anniversaries or simply escaping the everyday. The surrounding natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula also offers opportunities for scenic drives and quiet walks.
🚗 Road Trippers & Adventure Seekers
Adventure seekers will appreciate the opportunity to climb the lighthouse tower for panoramic views and explore the surrounding natural landscapes for hiking and water activities. The unique accommodation at the B&B provides a memorable stopover, offering a blend of history, nature, and a touch of romance. Be sure to factor in driving times, as distances can be significant in the UP.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stay in a Working Lighthouse
Many reviewers highlight the exceptional hospitality and the chance to climb the tower multiple times – from sunrise to sunset, and even during storms. This constant access to the tower is a significant perk for guests, allowing them to witness the lighthouse in various moods and light conditions. The grounds are also a major draw, providing serene spaces to relax and enjoy the stunning lake views.
It's important to note that the rooms, while charming, are part of a historic building and can be small. The emphasis is on the experience of staying in a lighthouse, rather than a typical luxury hotel. For those who appreciate history, unique accommodations, and breathtaking natural beauty, a stay here is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Exploring the Upper Peninsula's Charm
The nearby town of Big Bay offers a glimpse into local life, with a few dining options and a relaxed atmosphere. For more extensive amenities and attractions, the city of Marquette is a short drive away. Marquette boasts its own harbor lighthouse, a vibrant downtown area, and opportunities for water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
When planning a trip to this region, consider the seasonal weather. Summers are generally pleasant for outdoor activities, while fall offers stunning foliage. The remote nature of the UP means planning your route and accommodations in advance is key, especially if you're aiming for a specific experience like staying at the lighthouse.
Photography Opportunities
+1For the best light, aim for sunrise and sunset. These golden hours cast a warm glow on the lighthouse and the lake, creating dramatic and memorable shots. Even on foggy or stormy days, the lighthouse can be incredibly photogenic, evoking a sense of mystery and power.
From the top of the lighthouse tower, photographers can capture sweeping panoramic views of the coastline and the endless blue of Lake Superior. Don't forget to explore the surrounding grounds for different perspectives, including shots that incorporate the natural landscape and the lighthouse's iconic structure.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit